<div>After being on medical leave from school, I re-enrolled in my program pursuing a graduate degree in Museum &amp; Exhibition Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago this past Fall. Despite holding two graduate positions where I am working the maximum amount of hours while also focusing on my course load and a schedule packed with medical appointments, I am still having trouble meeting my financial needs. With the ongoing pandemic, my continued health difficulties (and the costs associated with seeking the needed medical care), and a series of other unfortunate events that have drained my resources this year, I have depleted my personal savings.
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<div>I am hoping to raise $4,500. This would cover my remaining tuition + fees balance (after my waiver that comes with my graduate position) for the next two semesters and the cost to keep my campus health insurance over the summer. This would allow me to fully put my paychecks towards rent, medical expenses (medications, transportation to medical appointments, paying off my medical bills, etc), food, and other standard expenses without adding additional stress while navigating my ongoing complicated medical journey. I am super grateful to anyone generous enough to donate!
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<div>If you would rather donate to me directly to avoid fees, that would be highly appreciated! I’m also grateful for any gift cards, especially Uber gift cards since I use them for transportation to appointments, grocery delivery, and food delivery. 
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<div>CashApp: $rydouglas
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<div>PayPal and Zelle: [ryanregina116] [at] gmail [dot] com
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<div>I also have ApplePay for those who have my personal phone number!
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Ry’s Grad School and Medical Expenses

<div>Dear family, friends, and wider community,
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<div>I am fundraising to launch a pilot project called the Feminist Idea Lab, a philanthropic idea hub that seeks to invest in girls' and young women's ideas around the world.
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<div>The Feminist Idea Lab will provide grants to girls and young women to help them ideate, design and bring an idea to life. 5 girls and/or young women will be awarded $1000 USD to start a project, along with monthly cohort mentorship that will provide support during the building and launching stages of their projects. The mentorship will last 12 months and in the process the Feminist Idea Lab team will learn how to better support and resource girls’ and young women’s ideas.
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<div><strong>Goal:</strong> In order to launch this project the Feminist Idea Lab seeks to raise $5000 USD by December 31, 2022, and will launch the application at the beginning of 2023. This project is open to girls and young women up to age 25.
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<div><strong>What Ideas will get funded? </strong>
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<div>The Feminist Idea Lab wants to hear all kinds of ideas: social-justice ideas, scientific ideas, business ideas, activism ideas, etc. We want to hear them all!
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<div><strong>Why girls and young women?</strong>
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<ul>
<li>Less than 2% of VC money goes to women and girls.
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<li>12 million girls under the age of 18 are married every year; that's one girl every three seconds. Yes, seconds.
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<li>Two-thirds of the 773 million people who cannot read in the world are women and girls.
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<div>Too many young women and girls around the world are not given a chance to finish their education and are forced to live lives of subordination and servitude. But money is power, and when we give young women and girls resources, support, and a chance to create, they can change their own lives.
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<div><strong>Why $1000?</strong>
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<div>$1000 can go a long way in many contexts around the world to launch a project.
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<div><strong>How will the resources be awarded? </strong>
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<div>The Feminist Idea Lab will provide the resources to the girls/young women in any way they can receive them. This includes sending wires, utilizing western union, or even bringing cash in person.
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<div><strong>Language:</strong> Given our limitations, applications will only be available in English and Spanish, which will invariably make it inaccessible to folks who speak other languages. We intend on finding mechanisms in the future to include folks that speak many different languages.
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Feminist Idea Lab

<div>Salam,
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<div> 
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<div>On Sunday, January 9 our community witnessed a tragedy in the Fordham Heights section of the Bronx. A 5-alarm fire destroyed the homes of many of our the Gambian Youth Organization (GYO) community members at 333 East 183rd Street. At the moment, at least 19 people have been pronounced dead, including young children, and dozens others have sustained life-threatening injuries.
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<div>We ask that you help us support the victims of this tragedy. All proceeds will be distributed to the families by the Gambian Youth Organization (GYO).
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<div>Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un (Surely we belong to Allah and to him we shall return).
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<div>Jazakallah Khair
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<div>News Articles:
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<div><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/dozens-injured-alarm-fire-york-city-apartment-building/story?id=82164322" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/dozens-injured-alarm-fire-york-city-apartment-building/story?id=82164322" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://abcnews.go.com/US/dozens-injured-alarm-fire-york-city-apartment-building/story?id=82164322</a></a>
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<div><a href="https://pix11.com/news/local-news/bronx/fire-breaks-out-at-apartment-building-in-fordham-heights-the-bronx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://pix11.com/news/local-news/bronx/fire-breaks-out-at-apartment-building-in-fordham-heights-the-bronx/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://pix11.com/news/local-news/bronx/fire-breaks-out-at-apartment-building-in-fordham-heights-the-bronx/</a></a><br /><br />The Gambian Youth Organization (GYO) is a non-profit organization located in 214 East 181 Bronx, NY 10457. "Where the community comes first. Building a society of ambitious and confident youth, to serve as future leaders." 
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Relief  for Families Affected by Bronx Fire

Gambian Youths Organization

<p>Hi y'all  
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<p>Thank you for taking out the time to come over this way and check up on me! I wouldn't be where I am today without the backing of my community, and so it means a lot that you're here. I'm in the midst of some very big life transitions and could really use your support. 
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<p>After an absolutely heartwrenching, fucking grueling year-and-a-half of graduating into the pandemic, struggling with joblessness and my deep trauma from poverty/housing insecurity being activated and having me on 105 at all times, I'm coming to terms with the fact that the universe has been dragging and blocking me for particular reasons. 65+ failed job applications along with a slew of other hardships and blockages have made me really evaluate my life, what I want from it, and what I want to do in the world. COVID has forced me to contend with the fact that my time here is finite. Very Saturn Return, eh? For the astrology folks reading this--cry with me, and send a prayer up while we're at it. The past 16 months have broken down nearly every conception I've had about myself and where/who/how I want to be. I've had to reckon with a lot. The deep-dives and crises, though, have led me to the conclusion that I want to commit to living as an artist and work for myself. I've avoided that truth like something akin to COVID because the concept of unstable income is terrifying, especially with my background, but it's what I want to do--prioritize what I love doing, prioritize my health and wellbeing, prioritize living a life I actually want to live. I want to have time to finish this novel! I want to cultivate my own schedule! I want to do work that is meaningful and that energizes me, rather than depletes me! I'm scared to death, but I think my freedom might be on the other side. And I think that I'm worth the risk. 
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<p>I'm also in a state of transition geographically--I'm so excited to be getting out of Virginia and moving to Atlanta on the 20th with a close friend. I lived there for a few months in 2015 and it's been a dream to return. All this coupled with the fact that I'm going through some things re: health that may have me out of the race for a few months puts me in a unique position: one with lots of growth and goodness ahead, but also a lot of financial insecurity. I'm blessed to not be in direct crisis just yet, but I don't want to wait til I get there to reach out for help, especially because reaching out is already so hard. 
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<p>All money donated will go towards helping me transition/settle in Atlanta and into a lifestlye that will finally, finally allow me to live and be well. This translates to rent, utilities and also a few amazing wellness opportunities that honestly have the potential to shift big things for me (of which I cannot afford on my own) . 
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<p>If you have the capacity and desire to invest in me during this period of incubation, I'm so grateful. If you don't, I appreciate you for reading and sending good vibes! 
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<p>Thank you for loving, seeing and supporting me. It means everything. 
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Surviving AND Thriving: The Big Transition

I needa move! For various reasons I'm asking for support so that I can move into a space that's more comfortable, affordable, and safe for me. I can no longer afford the rent for my current 1 bdrm apartment as my job/finances have changed due to covid. <br /><br /><br />Aside from costs, my apartment is just not the space for me. This space has contributed to my anxiety and depression since I moved in. It's old, things don't work/break a lot, I barely have privacy, and I think that the air in here actually contributed to the many times I've been sick/had breathing problems over the last year. I also had to take my kitty babies to stay with my mom because the space is inadequate for the three of us. <br /><br />I've been trying to move out since June but it has been impossible due to my finances. The need has become more urgent as I have neighbors who call my landlord to complain about minor grievances without reaching out to me first or even confirming that I am causing the problems they complain about. <br /><br />As you may know, I finally secured a job after a long period of unemployment. But my savings is completely drained and I don't make nearly enough to cover the costs of moving or to save up for a move. Anything you're able to give helps! Funds will go towards paying off the back-rent that I owe, moving expenses, as well as paying to have my tags renewed on my car cause they from 2018 and I need that to drive safely! <br /><br />I would love to start the new year in a space that I feel safe, happy, and healthy in. So much gratitude to y'all for supporting and sharing to make this possible.

Help Lexus Secure Safe Housing

Hello Everyone, what a time.  Our hearts are all heavy.  Cleveland Charles, my favorite Uncle growing up, a great man, has passed on suddenly this past weekend. The Charles family has experienced the death of husband and wife within less than 2 months!  On July 5th, while completing his work as a medical missionary in rural Tennessee, Cleveland Charles went on to be with the Lord.  This sadly occurred on the birthday of his sister Carolyn Sommersell, my mother.  Please pray for us.

We have created this fundraiser to help support the family in handling this delicate and very difficult time.  This fundraiser would help to support preparation and funeral arrangements as well.  

Every dollar is greatly appreciated. As said, this was quite sudden, and the family is still reeling from this unexpected tragedy. 

Cleveland was a teacher, a minister, medical missionary, a holistic health pioneer, a father, husband, brother and a friend to many.  Please help us support his sons and daughter and the rest of his beloved family in giving Cleveland a proper final goodbye.  

We thank you in advance for your support in the form of donations, prayers, phone calls, text messages and comforting words.

Help Charles Family After Sudden Death of Father

Hello friends and fam. I am raising funds for my brother Derek. He recently was involved in tragic accident where a motorcyclist ran into the rear passenger side of his car. Not only was Derek’s car totaled but the motorcyclist also died at the scene. Derek wasn’t injured praise God but has been going to dialysis 3 days a week for a few years now along with working full time. He totaled his car and needs a boost. I’m hoping to raise roughly $5000 to assist him get in purchasing a used car. Asking to give what you can. I’m certainly making the first donation. Would like to give him as much as we can within a week or so. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Thanks in advance for your help. God bless.

Car Funds For Derek

Linking Hearts to Strengthen Our Own<br /><br /><br />Every member of our community is integral to the upkeep of the whole. At this time, we wish to lift up a community member who needs our love and support, Efeya Sampson.<br /><br /><br />Efeya is a dynamic dance instructor and bright light at DreamYard who exudes joy and inspiration to our young people and all who have worked with her. Please join us for an exciting evening of music, dance and community as we have a fundraiser to support Efeya Sampson in her medical needs to continue to be the bright light she is for our community.<br /><br /><br />DreamYard Project has committed to matching all of the funds that are received in this fundraiser. If you can not attend our community event, please consider making an online donation here.  We look forward to joining you in this community support. <br /><br /><br />In the spirit of the Akan principle, Akoma Ntoso, we invite you to show your understanding and love at this community celebration of Efeya!

Efeya Sampson Wellness

10 Years Deep, Towards Our Rainbow

Hello everyone,<br /><br />My name is Balfre Reynoso and I am a student at Lawrence University. The reason I started this GoFund Me was because my mother is need of a surgery to remove the cancer that she was diagnosed with about a week ago.<br /><br />The cost of the surgery is about $28,000, but the hospital is requiring her to pay <strong>$7,000 up front by April 21st, or they will not perform the surgery.</strong><br /><br />If I had the ability to pay this $7,000 up front I would. She makes enough for us to live off of but not enough for something like this surgery. <br /><br />This woman has sacrificed so much for my brother and I. She has made us into the individuals that we are today. She is such a wonderful mother and just a great human being overall. Anyone who has met my mother knows this. Please help us in this time of need, any help we can get would greatly be appreciated. Thank you so much for your time.

Most Wonderful Persons Medical Fund

Brienne Colston

<div>Hello! Our dear friend Bri has been in the hospital for severe dehydration and anemia. This sickness has led to kidney failure, resulting likely in ongoing dialysis treatment for a couple months. Recently (last night!) they’ve been discharged after successfully learning how to walk again! 
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<div>As you can imagine, this medical emergency has led to them spending one long month in the intensive care unit, where she was unable to work as a consultant. This resulted in an over $10,000 loss of funds, impacting her entire household.
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<div>Any Amount Donated Counts!
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Brienne Colston

Brienne Colston

Featured causes

Help Bri Overcome Medical and Financial Strain

Ry’s Grad School and Medical Expenses

Feminist Idea Lab

Relief for Families Affected by Bronx Fire

Gambian Youths Organization

About me